Top Notre Dame recruiting target reclassifies to 2027, could he join the Irish class soon?

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Notre Dame football already has five commits in the 2027 class, and on Tuesday there was news that could make a big impact to the group.

California 2028 edge Marcus Fakatou has long held the Irish in high regard and on Tuesday he opted to reclassify to the 2027 class. This is huge news for Notre Dame, as the 6-foot, 6-inch and 275-pounder already has a college-ready frame, and was recently in South Bend when the Irish hosted USC.

Fakatou was the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2028 class, but now after moving up a class, he the No. 54 player in the 247Sports Composite rankings in the 2027 class. At the current moment, there aren’t any crystal ball picks for him, but that most likely was due to previously being in the ‘28 cycle.

However, Blair Angulo is reporting (subscription required) that “Notre Dame should be considered the early front-runner.” A trio of SEC schools are lurking in the background, as he noted the Alabama, Georgia and Texas are pushing for Fakatou hard as well. Oregon is in the mix too, and with Notre Dame those teams most likely comprise his top group.

Fakatou told Angulo that his plan is to take visits in the spring, but have a top-5 list before those happen. It very much looks like Notre Dame is in great shape for the pass rusher.

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame top ‘28 target moves up to ‘27 class, spring visits coming

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